Convert Wanted

[n3303j]

After years (maybe 15) of lusting after a Convert I finally convinced DW that I should have one. That was a challenge in itself.

Alas now there appears there are none for sale in the USA (Syracuse is junk and don't want to buy sidecar bike with blown torque converter).

Best wished for would have second generation flywheel, be in the eastern USA and at a sensible price.

Certainly there must be one about that is not getting the attention it deserves and is in need of a good home. I'm pretty good at T3 so the learning curve wouldn't be steep

Any leads would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ron Cichowski

[Stretch]

If ya find 2, let me know! 

Nick's latest acquisition is the sort of deal to fall into.
I'm unabashedly a wee bit envious of that one.......

                                     -Stretch

[Moparnut72]

There is one for sale in the MGNOC classified. I believe it is fairly close to you unless my geography is messed up.
kk

[n3303j]

There is one for sale in the MGNOC classified. I believe it is fairly close to you unless my geography is messed up.
kk

Geography is correct. But that bike was also listed in our swap column and was sold when I called over a month ago. Seller just never took down his advert. Which was a disappointment because it sounded like exactly what I was looking for.

[Dave Swanson]

The call of the Convert can be strong.   A motorcycle like no other. 

Good luck on your endeavor.  I see decent examples become available regularly.  This one in Ohio shows promise.  https://www.facebook.com/share/1HNPCpHWDY/

If you want to learn a bit about the innards of the Convert, my build thread is here. 

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=115986.0

I transformed my crusty project into this, because I love going so far upside down it is ridiculous. 

[Bulldog9]

They come and go in waves.

Found these on FB Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1258762392925578/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2037941533517729/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

[n3303j]

Dropped a note to the Ohio machine. Advert over a year old. We shall see.

Already visited the New York machine. Owner said it ran but couldn't make it do so. Bike looked like a "career" to get it running. Looked like it had never been cared for. Even at the $1,500 he quoted as bottom it wasn't worth the risk.

Ohio fellow just replied with a "YES" available. Guess I'll do some talking with him. Didn't know there were 1985 Converts. Doesn't say Convert on side covers but does have transmission plumbing.

Let the adventure begin.

[TN Mark]

There was a batch of Cal II automatics as well.
An ‘updated’ Convert perhaps.

[Aldo]

They come and go in waves.

Found these on FB Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1258762392925578/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2037941533517729/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

Ohio Convert is a '75, which means it likely has the the stamped flywheel...which is prone to destruction. It has only 8k miles, so it probably still running on the stamped flywheel.  The one on my '75 let go at 17.5K.

[n3303j]

Ohio Convert is a '75, which means it likely has the the stamped flywheel...which is prone to destruction. It has only 8k miles, so it probably still running on the stamped flywheel.  The one on my '75 let go at 17.5K.

Thought about machining a reinforcing ring and having it welded into the current flywheel (I have a lathe). Also will true up the torque converter. I assume the flywheel failure is due to metal fatigue as the assembly gets flexed every revolution unless the whole assembly shares a common centerline.

[Aldo]

Thought about machining a reinforcing ring and having it welded into the current flywheel (I have a lathe). Also will true up the torque converter. I assume the flywheel failure is due to metal fatigue as the assembly gets flexed every revolution unless the whole assembly shares a common centerline.

I had my stamped one welded back up and balanced when it decided to grenade, but replaced it with the heavy one to keep my mind at ease.  I have pics of my welded one on some of my older posts.

Threw the welded stamped one on the shelf for safe keeping; I think I gave it to the buyer when i sold that Convert.

My current "Ambo-vert" sports the '81 motor with heavy flywheel, so no concerns there.

[n3303j]

They come and go in waves.

Found these on FB Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1258762392925578/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2037941533517729/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A19025f27-8a96-4f93-9c16-e2c9ee30ddad

Looks like me & my truck are going to Ohio this coming Monday to check out and pick up a Convert. Thanks for the lead.

Odd; if I log into Facebook with my wife's account and search for Convert Moto Guzzi I only come up with the Syracuse bike. But your link worked and the deal is in progress.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you buy a heavy flywheel and put it on a shelf next to the bike, the stamped one will never fail.  Seems to work for some reason.

[TN Mark]

The stamped flywheel on my last Convert broke at exactly 10,000 miles. Fortunately I was close to home as I had to push it.

[spmoto]

I know of a nice 1980 convert here in Maine. The owner is a good friend who has put about 7-8k trouble free miles on it this summer. I think it has under 20k total miles. He is thinking of letting it go so send me a PM if seriously interested and I'll put you in touch with the owner.
Steve M

[Bulldog9]

If you buy a heavy flywheel and put it on a shelf next to the bike, the stamped one will never fail.  Seems to work for some reason.

True for 6 years and 9k miles for me ... Total of 45k Miles on my beauty. According to Dave Richardson and others, if it was going to fail, it would have by now, but for Posterity Sake, I have a NOS Stamped and one of the Machined Flywheel connector plate thinggys on standby.

[fotoguzzi]

I built this Vert back in 2006-07 it was fabulous! ‘98 EV power plant with FI and all the EV electronics.. had to fab up a flywheel that could trigger the crank sensor, that was the biggest hurdle. Then squeezing in the ATF tank and the fuel return link to the gas tank and more. It was a fun exercise in “can it be done” I proved to my self I could do it! It was called the SPEVert.. SP body, EV motor, Vert running gear.it was pretty fast too relative to the stock Convert with heavy flywheel. Sadly.. I sold it and shipped it off to a guy in  New Zealand.

[Dave Swanson]

Dropped a note to the Ohio machine. Advert over a year old. We shall see.

Already visited the New York machine. Owner said it ran but couldn't make it do so. Bike looked like a "career" to get it running. Looked like it had never been cared for. Even at the $1,500 he quoted as bottom it wasn't worth the risk.

Ohio fellow just replied with a "YES" available. Guess I'll do some talking with him. Didn't know there were 1985 Converts. Doesn't say Convert on side covers but does have transmission plumbing.

Let the adventure begin.

Upon further study of the pictures I have questions about this machine.  I am wondering why a bike with 8000 miles has been repainted, seat changed out, mufflers replaced and tail light assembly removed and replaced with cheapo crap? 

[Vagrant]

Does anybody else see the humor in this thread. People begging to buy a 50 year old Guzzy!
And yet you can't give away a new or used one.

[TN Mark]

Does anybody else see the humor in this thread. People begging to buy a 50 year old Guzzy!
And yet you can't give away a new or used one.

Yea. It’s a rather sad circumstance for many newer Moto Guzzi dealers.
I had three Converts decades ago at different times. Plus a G5. Would I
like another Convert one today? Yes, yes I would.
But there’s only so much room in the garage and I wouldn’t replace my
Victory Hard-Ball or my Eldorado 1400 with one.

Sadly, for Moto Guzzi, they don’t make a bike I’d like to buy today.
IMHO, their 1400 line was the epitome of their motorcycle design.

[Dave Swanson]

My advice is to hang tight and keep a watch.  Before you know it a better, cheaper, and closer Convert than the one in Ohio will become available.

[Bulldog9]

Upon further study of the pictures I have questions about this machine.  I am wondering why a bike with 8000 miles has been repainted, seat changed out, mufflers replaced and tail light assembly removed and replaced with cheapo crap?

50 Years is a LONG time to keep something unmodified. I wouldn't assume foul play or problems.

I have new Paint, run a Bassa Exhaust, changed out the seat and rear fender. I don't even know if my tail light is the right one. It came with a King/Queen Monstrosity and a second custom Bench seat. The Original seat/rear cowl and wings were long gone, before the guy I bought it from.

I bought one of the Original Guzzi Barn Door windscreens, but take it off in warmer weather.

[Dave Swanson]

50 Years is a LONG time to keep something unmodified. I wouldn't assume foul play or problems.

I have new Paint, run a Bassa Exhaust, changed out the seat and rear fender. I don't even know if my tail light is the right one. It came with a King/Queen Monstrosity and a second custom Bench seat. The Original seat/rear cowl and wings were long gone, before the guy I bought it from.

I bought one of the Original Guzzi Barn Door windscreens, but take it off in warmer weather.

The main point I was trying to make was - bide your time,  a closer, cheaper and better Convert will make itself available.  IMO opinion the Ohio bike is over priced for what it is. 

[n3303j]

I know of a nice 1980 convert here in Maine. The owner is a good friend who has put about 7-8k trouble free miles on it this summer. I think it has under 20k total miles. He is thinking of letting it go so send me a PM if seriously interested and I'll put you in touch with the owner.
Steve M

Hi Steve, Peter is indeed a wonderful person with quite the collection of bikes. Went to Maine today and examined and rode the '80 Convert. Then wrote the check. I HAVE A CONVERT! I'll have to go back with a truck next visit to pick the machine up. Today was an adventure ride on the V11EV.
Thank you for the tip. It paid off well.

[Bulldog9]

Hi Steve, Peter is indeed a wonderful person with quite the collection of bikes. Went to Maine today and examined and rode the '80 Convert. Then wrote the check. I HAVE A CONVERT! I'll have to go back with a truck next visit to pick the machine up. Today was an adventure ride on the V11EV.
Thank you for the tip. It paid off well.

Congrats! Can't wait to see the pics!

[n3303j]

It's in my garage!

[Tkelly]

Put the windjammer and heated grips on and you are ready to roll.

[chuck peterson]

It's in my garage!

Daaaaaahhhhmmmmmm…..it’s got the wings! You’re golden!

Nice Pervert! Lo-range go throttle up at 55…

Still no salt on the roads, hit it!

[n3303j]

Put the windjammer and heated grips on and you are ready to roll.

Heated grips are a Must Have.
Windjammer makes the bike look too "front heavy" unless you have HUGE rear bags. I'm a loyal fan of National Cycle Plexifairing. Excellent protection and keeps rhe bike looking "light".

[Stretch]

Looks like a good 'un!

Those Plexifairings are decent.

                           -Stretch